World's oldest tea tree

It had long been considered that the world's oldest tea tree originated in India.

However the villagers in Yunnan discovered fossils of tea leaves in their village. This prompted a group of researchers wanting to find the oldest tea trees. They set off to Yunnan which is known to have a lot of wild puerh trees, generally 500 to 800 year old. Some trees are even more than a thousand years old.

Fossils of tea leaves

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True enough, not far from where the villagers discovered the fossils of tea leaves, they found the oldest wild puerh tree. They also needed to prove that other old puerh trees were grown from this ancient wild puerh tree.

Experts examining the oldest tea tree

In 1993, experts all gathered around and examined the ancient puerh tree. They unanimously agreed that it was the oldest tea tree ever found on earth. Hence history was rewritten. The world's oldest tea tree actually originated in China, in Yunnan which is the habitat of puerh trees

Old puerh tree



This 1000 year old puerh tree is well protected

As the best puerh tea comes from these wild puerh trees which have long roots to receive nourishments from the soil deep underneath. These trees will produce big and hairy leaves which are essential for making good quality puerh tea.

The best of the puerh tea comes from the Panchang village which is called the Lao Panchang, the king of kings of the puerh tea. A newly made piece of Lao Panchang tea cakes can cost a few thousands RMB.

Lao Panchang: The king of kings

Another oldie for sharing:
       http://youtu.be/QFuzQDdUizM 偷偷摸摸